On Koh Mak

Koh Mak is an island with a long history in the rubber and coconut trade, originally stemming from Chinese immigrants. Today it still has a strong industry in these two areas, but has developed a reputation for being a good family resort island, without the excesses of mass tourism. The community of Koh Mak are keen to preserve this ideal, whilst making the place a good holiday island. As ever there is a balance between promoting tourism and keeping a location intact.

The island is quite flat in parts making it a good place for cycling and walking. There are cycle trails through the island of varying length. There is a map of trails published by an organisation called Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) showing th various routes. It’s a brilliant way to see the island without causing any undue harm to the environment. Even though this is easy riding, take some bottled water especially during the hot and humid seasons from May to September.

Sea based activites include the very best in snorkeling and diving. There are dive shops and instructors on Koh Mak who will help organise trips out to the sites in the area. Koh Yak, Rang, Tien, and Pi are all islands with good dive opportunities.  Night fishing is something practiced by all the fishermen along the east coast. Look out to sea from any location along the Eastern seaboard from Pattaya to Koh Chnag and you will sea the flickering lamps on the fishing boats out at sea. A trip can be arranged with fishermen on Koh Mak to join them on a night fishing trip. The cost is from 1000-4000 baht per trip. Squid are caught first for bait before the serious fishing starts.

Sea kayaking is another of the favourite pursuits on Koh Mak because there are some short trips to be made without going to far from the main island. There are plenty of kayak rental places, either at the hotel or near the ebach. On the safty side, its probably best if there is someone with some experience of kayaking, and you defiantely have a flotation vest, preferably a whistle, and if possible take your cell phone as well. Make sure he phone is well wrapped up in a plastic or waterproof cover. Phones and water do not go well together. For those experienced in the water throwing events of Songram, have found a condom a very good way of keeping a phone dry!

In th more mountainous parts of the island there are trails for trekking. Hotels and local guides can offer advice on the proper trails, and again it is as well to take the phone with a contact number available should there be any mishaps. It can get very hot walking at any time of year, so its best to make an early start and take plenty of bottled water.

For those who believe a holiday is for relaxing without all this activity, then Koh Mak has some excellent pampering services in the shape of yoga instruction, Thai massage and spa treatments. The hotels are a good source of information which will be up to date.